Tampa Bay Rays - PlayerWatch

March 30, 2013|Reuters

RHP Roberto Hernandez will be the fifth starter, sending Jeff Niemann to the bullpen, according to reports. Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, missed most of last season because of legal issues in the Dominican Republic resulting from falsifying his identity. Once he returned to the majors, he injured an ankle and struggled with the Cleveland Indians. The 32-year-old Hernandez pitched in only three games in 2012 and went 0-3 as a starter with a 7.53 ERA. Niemann started eight games last year and went 2-3 with an 3.08 ERA before he suffered a broken leg in May and had arm problems later in the season. This spring, Niemann has a 2.92 ERA in 24 2/3 innings but has struggled to regain velocity on his pitches and the Rays decided to use him in long relief to start the season.